Full-back Junior Firpo expects the Championship table to start to take shape over the Christmas period. The Leeds United defender is set to line up against Derby County at Elland Road this afternoon, having shrugged off a minor knock sustained in training earlier this week.

It will be Firpo's 100th appearance in the Whites colours. He is aiming to help United return to winning ways following their poor showing away to Blackburn Rovers last time out.

He told Sky Sports: "We need a good game today to get us back to the top two positions where we want to be at the end of the season. Blackburn was frustrating for everyone. It was a little bit of a step back.

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"It is always a special day to play at Elland Road. It's our crowd and they are always behind us. It's a pleasure to play here."

Former United star Stuart Dallas is among the studio guests for Sky today. When Dallas asked his former teammate Firpo ahead of the Derby clash if now is the time for Daniel Farke's team to stamp their authority on the promotion race, a smiling Firpo replied: "Hello my favourite player!" His response left Sky Sports host David Prutton in stitches.

Firpo added: "With all international breaks that we have had before, it has been a little stop and go. But now is when I think the table will be made. We obviously want to be trying to win as many games as possible, if possible all of them. It is a good period with Christmas and all the games coming."

The former Barcelona man has starred for his national team as a No 10 this year. Yet despite Firpo's goal-scoring exploits for the Dominican Republic in 2024, United manager Daniel Farke has made it clear to the player he views him as a defender.

Firpo said: "He [Farke] doesn't want me to play there! He says I get too excited when I go to my national team and I come back and play in the No 10 position. He doesn't trust me there!

"I will keep trying to give my best to give assists and score goals to help the team. This is a big season and the target is clear for everybody."

Recognising he is an "attack-minded" player, Firpo has praised Farke for bringing the best out of him. The 28-year-old has already provided three assists this season.

"He [Farke] gives me that confidence and freedom to go into spaces where a left-back might not usually be," he said. "I try to help the team and do my best. I try to improve defensively, although I know it's not one of my strengths. I try to do my best there. Everyone could see last season that being injury free helped me a lot and it's the same this season. I'm feeling great and all the team are feeling good."